Scouting report:
The Spartans have put a fissure in Brawley's desert dynasty, capturing league titles two of the past three seasons. Central has 13 returning starters, including Adams, the IVL Offensive Player of the Year. The 6-foot-5, Adams completed 54 percent (91 of 167) of his passes for 1,742 yards as a junior. He delivered 18 touchdown strikes, suffering just three interceptions. “He's being looked at by a lot of the big colleges,” said Bird, who mentioned Colorado State, Fresno State and San Diego State. Adams, known as J.T. by his teammates, averaged more than 19 yards per completion. Bird said he'll probably throw the ball more this season. The Spartans are experienced on the offensive line, which should make Adams even more effective. Three-year starter Johnson will be a threat on both sides of the ball as will two-year starter Moreno.

Scouting report:
The Wildcats have won 10 of the previous 12 league titles and may have the horses to add another. Returning all-leaguers Mohamed and Mendoza are the keys for Brawley. Mohamed averaged more than 100 yards per game and is no doubt the top running back in the league. Wharton, a junior, is a surprise newcomer at quarterback. The Wildcats return 13 starters. “We have guys moving in and moving out of the area so fast it's hard to predict where we stand,” Bishop said. The IVL championship should come down to the annual Bell Game against archrival Central in the season finale. “The Bell Game usually does decide the league championship,” Bishop said. “I think that will be the case again this year.”

Scouting report:
After decimating the now-defunct Desert League with five consecutive championships and a 44-12-1 record, the Tigers believe they are ready to make an impact in the Imperial Valley League. While Imperial has grown accustomed to winning, it is unlikely that the Tigers can upend either of the top two teams. A third-place finish would be pretty impressive for Imperial, which returns All-Desert League seniors Espinoza, Angeles (6-3, 250), Ibarra, Blincoe and Riley. “We have better team speed and another year with the offense and defense,” Legarra said. “Because we spent more time in the weight room I think we'll be a lot stronger overall.” Legarra said the Tigers did sustain several key losses, including three of their five starting offensive linemen and Desert League MVP quarterback Chris Lopez to graduation.

Scouting report:
After a dismal first year at the helm, Drury sees the program on an upswing this season. As is the case with any team considered a contender, Drury believes the Eagles' strength is in the offensive and defensive lines. “I like what I've seen so far,” he said. Villanueva, a 5-10, 235-pound senior, is the cornerstone on both sides of the trenches. Lapham (5-9, 245) and Glascow (6-5, 215) are also stalwarts in the front lines. Glascow's greatest contributions may come on the offensive side as a tight end. “People have no answer for Glascow,” Drury said. “He plays basketball and has great leaping ability, and that's why many of the D-I (football) coaches like him.” Ohland (6-3, 180) will provide Olson with a large target. “No question Nico will be hard to cover,” Drury said.

Scouting report:
Known for their explosive offense, the Yellowjackets may lack much of their usual sting this season. At least that's the word from Dagnino, who only three years ago had a team averaging 37 points a game. During his tutelage his teams have averaged more than 21 points per game. “Shupe is back, and that's a plus,” Dagnino said of his junior QB, who completed 60 of 101 passes for 846 yards and nine touchdowns in seven games a year ago. Hargrove is a four-year starter on defense while True is a three-year veteran on the offensive front. Depth is a problem. The Yellowjackets' biggest loss was versatile Aaron Quintanilla, who in his final two seasons caught 117 passes for 1,944 yards and 29 touchdowns.

Scouting report:
After posting back-to-back .500 finishes the Bulldogs would like to believe they can move into the upper echelon of the league this year. But only five starters return, including all-league juniors Calles (6-3, 215) and Avila (6-3, 260). Senior Rivera (6-1, 200) is a threat at quarterback, while Rodriguez (6-3, 220) is the kingpin of the defense. “We have overall team speed at every position,” Silva said. “We're a young, talented group of athletes.”